Trimethoprim

Can cure cystitis within days

Relieves symptoms quickly

Reduces length of infection

Trimethoprim is an antibiotic for urinary tract infections (UTIs) that can reduce the length of the infection and the severity of the symptoms as well. Trimethoprim usually provides effective relief within 3 days. Available in 100mg and 200mg dosages, you can buy Trimethoprim tablets online. Complete a free doctor's consultation and you'll receive free next day delivery.

What is Trimethoprim?

Trimethoprim is an effective antibiotic treatment used to treat bacterial infections, in particular cystitis. It helps to stop the growth of the bacteria allowing your body to fight back to defeat the uncomfortable symptoms associated with UTIs (urinary tract infections). As well as alleviating symptoms such as burning and abdominal pain, the treatment can also shorten the duration of the infection.[1]

At HealthExpress, you can order 100mg that suppresses the condition and 200mg tablets used for recurrent episodes.

How does Trimethoprim work?

We all have various levels of natural bacteria all around our body, however an imbalance in this can cause an infection especially around the urinary tract, this condition is often known as cystitis. If the infection moves up through the tract into the bladder and further, it can cause long term damage to the kidneys and other surrounding organs, which is why it is important to treat it from the outset.

Trimethoprim works by stopping the bacteria in question from producing folate (otherwise known as folic acid, or vitamin B). Folate cannot multiply and produce further DNA to spread the infection further. Your immune system can then fight the existing bacteria to eliminate the infection.

As Trimethoprim is an antibiotic treatment for cystitis, although the symptoms may disappear quickly, it is always advised to finish the entire course once you have it.

What are the benefits of Trimethoprim?

Using an antibiotic such as Trimethoprim to clear a cystitis infection is an efficient way to eliminate the discomfort of the infection. Trimethoprim gets to the root of the infection to reduce and cure the bacterial infection quickly. Benefits to using this medicine include:

Eliminates symptoms fast - tablets start to work within hours

Clinically trialled and proven - studies have shown it to be clinically effective at treating UTIs (urinary tract infections)

Reduced risk of side effects - Trimethoprim is known to be highly effective and well tolerated

How to use Trimethoprim?

This antibiotic treatment should be taken as soon as you recognise the symptoms and have been diagnosed with cystitis. The sooner the course of treatment is started, the less chance it has of spreading.

Trimethoprim comes in a hard capsule form (oral tablets) that can be taken for acute infections or long-term

Tablets should never be crushed, but swallowed whole with or without water or food

Depending on the severity of your condition, the dosage you're prescribed and when to take the Trimethoprim tablets will differ

200mg dosage - Two tablets to be taken daily (one in the morning and one in the evening) over 3 to 14 days depending on the infection's severity. This dosage will be prescribed to you if you suffer from recurrent episodes of cystitis and are taken on a needs be basis.

The 100mg dosage - is usually prescribed for a long term treatment and prevention, in this case, one tablet is taken daily, usually at night. The 100mg dosage is for women who need continual suppression from cystitis.

All dosages should be taken evenly throughout the day and the whole course should be taken before stopping, regardless about whether your UTI symptoms have disappeared halfway through the treatment. All prescription medication comes with a patient leaflet that should be thoroughly read before starting the treatment.

What if I forget to take a tablet?

Missing a dose is nothing to worry about. Just take the dose as soon as you remember. If it's nearer to the next dose, then skip the previous missed tablet and continue as normal, finishing the course one dose later. Never take two tablets together to compensate.

What are the side effects of Trimethoprim?

With most prescription medication, there is always a risk of side effects.

Whilst Trimethoprim side effects are unlikely, some users may experience certain side effects. These are usually extremely manageable and temporary, disappearing completely once the course of antibiotics is finished. These may include:

Loss of appetite

Sore throat

Skin rashes

Diarrhoea

Anaemia

Whilst these side effects are known as common, they still only affect a small percentage of women and only require additional analysis if they persist after you've finished the pills. Rarer side effects include:

Vertigo

Confusion

Sore mouth or mouth ulcers

Jaundice

If any of the rare side effects persist or you experience an allergic reaction, it is important that you contact your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible.

Precautions/interactions with Trimethoprim

There are certain precautionary measures that need to be taken when seeking to use Trimethoprim tablets for the first time. Certain conditions may prevent the use of this antibiotic treatment such as:

Patients with a folate deficiency should avoid this particular UTI treatment

Those with impaired renal or hepatic function

Those allergic to any of the active ingredients

Pregnant or breastfeeding women

Those with have acute porphyria

If you have a kidney or liver disease, vitamin deficiency, blood disorder, mineral imbalance or if you are diabetic

It is also advised to inform the doctor during the consultation if you are taking any of the following medicines:

Repaglinide (for diabetes)

Diuretics

Digoxin (for heart problems)

Anticoagulants (for blood clots)

Ciclosporin

Rifampicin (for TB)

Pyrimethamine (for malaria)

Other precautions

This treatment is not be taken during pregnancy as it has been known to affect the baby's brain and spine, especially in the early stages of being pregnant. This is due to the folic acid adjustment.

Trimethoprim has been known to pass into breast milk, however it is not as serious as taking the medicine whilst pregnant. Short-term use is not usually a problem, however it is best to consult your doctor before taking a course of Trimethoprim.

Patients using Trimethoprim can still drink alcohol when using the treatment as there isn't a high risk of adverse effects, it is recommended however to only drink clear fluids when using your dose to prevent any unexpected effects. If Trimethoprim is being used alongside another antibiotic such as sulfamethoxazole, then it is strongly advised to desist from drinking alcohol as this can increase the risk of headaches or stomach pains and maybe even inhibit the effectiveness of both treatments.

If you have any questions regarding any of the precautions or about the combined dose of both Trimethoprim and Sulfamethoxazole, contact a medical professional before starting your course, and read the patient leaflet fully.

Can I buy Trimethoprim tablets safely online?

As it is a prescription only treatment, Trimethoprim is only available to buy online here after taking our partner doctor's consultation which only takes a few minutes. It is required in order for one of our partner doctors to ensure your safety in using the tablets, if approved, you can complete your order and receive it the very next day. Ordering this treatment online saves time and reduces the confusing array of options or face-to-face doctor's appointments, especially when you know exactly what is wrong and require the treatment as soon as possible.

Dr Hilary Jones Independent Medical Adviser

Still not sure? Take our free consultation to find the right treatment for you.

You can complete a free consultation online to be reviewed by one of our partner doctors. Our Customer Service are on hand to answer any queries or you can order over the phone. Contact us directly Monday to Friday 8am-5:30pm through email, Live Chat or telephone.